(Photo: © David Banks-Imagn Images, 247Sports)
When the Chicago Bears opted to spend another draft pick on defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, the franchise decided to add another linebacker, selecting Maryland's Ruben Hyppolite.
While the selection was a polarizing one, Chicago now needs to figure out what to do with Hyppolite, who enters a room led by veterans Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, third-year linebacker Noah Sewell is also part of the crew. That means Hyppolite will be joining a room that is rich with veteran experience but also, it's likely he winds up competing with Sewell for the right to be the third linebacker on the depth chart.
All of this sets up a very interesting conundrum for Hyppolite. To many, his only real chance of making the roster is by turning into a standout on special teams but he does have the traits needed to develop into a solid linebacker. While he may never become a starter in the league, he can always develop into a solid depth piece and end up turning into a rotational piece.
Hyppolite's fit in the Bears defense:
For a team that runs a four-man front, so much of what linebackers are asked to do boils down to their ability to read and react to what's happening in front of them. Coming out of college, Hyppolite's ability to read and react was one of his best abilities, coupled with his downhill speed. That should set him up to play either Will or Mike linebacker, allowing his natural strengths to flash on tape.
Dennis Allen's scheme is very linebacker-friendly, so Hyppolite should have no issues flourishing but he will also need to prove that he can shed blocks and consistently win against offensive linemen if he's going to have a real shot at seeing significant playing time throughout the 2025 season.
What people inside Halas Hall are saying:
"He's really observant of what's going on around," said Edmunds. "I think he's going to be a good player for sure. I like the way that he approaches it, business-like mindset. Just like his mindset coming to the building, especially being a rookie, is where it needs to be."
It's early but what's becoming clear with each passing day is Hyppolite's approach and mindset are helping him get acclimated to the pro game. When training camp begins, he'll spend time with the second and third string but it'll still be an opportunity for him to prove that he can thrive and contribute on defense.
Expectations for the 2025 season:
For the 2025 season, Hyppolite has both a ceiling and a floor. His ceiling will be developing into a legitimate building block on defense and a player who can contribute in key situations.
But the floor will end up being a player who makes the roster simply because he's on special teams. While this isn't a bad way to make the roster, the Bears drafted him knowing there was a lot of untapped potential and so unlocking that potential should really be the goal for both sides.
Conclusion:
As the Bears get ready for training camp, Hyppolite will be one of the most intriguing players to watch. He's flying under the radar but with a few strong practices and a good preseason, he will easily become a player to monitor in the context of his development if he's going to turn into a legitimate building block for this team.
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